YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 76

Pilgrimage to India: Jatra in 60 Minutes
Dr. John Cort
the structure of the Jain sangh itself. The first is an obvious Dilgrimage to sacred sites associated with the
topic in architecture as the temples are a reflection of vision. lives of the 24 Jinas and other sacred heroes is
time, and money that went into their construction. The an important part of the spiritual practices of the
second looks at the influence of these temples on the actual image-worshiping Shvetambar and Digambar Jains.
fabric of society. They were created as centers of religion
and culture. Temples are anchors of community. Without The two most important of these sites in India are
them the structure of the Jain community would much Shatrunjay near the town of Palitana in Gujarat, and
weaker. This session will discuss not only the architecture Shravana Belagola near the city of Mysore in
in the literal sense but also how these stone buildings show Karnataka. Both of them are striking mountains that
the amazing architecture of Jain society. rise up from the surrounding plains to greet the pilgrim. Shatrunjay is sacred to the Shvetambars,
There are many temples that we will be discussing, and Shravana Belagola is sacred to the Digambars.
including those at Mount Abu and Ranakpur, Palitana, and
Shravarn Belgoda. Shatrunjay is dedicated to the Adinatha, the first Jina of this era, and is understood by Jains to have
The stories behind some of these temples are just as been a sacred mountain since the time of Adinatha's
remarkable as the temples themselves. Other ways of son Bharata. istorically, Jain patrons have been looking at Jain architecture will also be discussed. If you some of the wealthiest individuals. Kings and rich are interested in more information about any of these merchants used their considerable resources to build temples or want to learn about others two great books some of the most breathtaking temples. These temples are: served two purposes: 1. To aid the spirituality of the king and
• Shree 108 Jain Tirth Darshanawali Community and
The Peaceful Liberators: Jain Art from India. 2. To create a lasting relic of their reign.
This profusely-illustrated talk will use a discussion of Within Jain architecture I will discuss two kinds of pilgrimage to explain the role of worship and devotion in structures: the actual physical building structure and Jainism.
notes:
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